Dual button and zipper assist device

ABSTRACT

A dual button and zipper assist device and a method for using the device for facilitating the processes of buttoning or zipping is described. In a preferred embodiment the button assist device is an independent element having a unitary body formed of preferably metal with a button hook and a connected open handle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This nonprovisional utility patent application claims the benefit of one or more prior filed co-pending nonprovisional applications; a reference to each such prior application is identified as the relationship of the applications and application number (series code/serial number): The present application is a related to Ser. No. ______ entitled “Small Object Assist Device” filed on the same date herewith and bearing attorney docket number 1290-006, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to assistance devices for arthritic individuals and, more particularly, to a combined small object-manipulation assist device for operating buttons and zippers and a method for using same.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0003] Many persons have ailments that affect their ability to use their hands. An estimated 43 million Americans suffer from arthritis and other similar conditions, and each year one million new patients develop arthritis. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 60 million people will have arthritis in the United States by 2020. The largest component of the target market is individuals 65 or older. Also, it is well documented that younger people comprise half of all people affected. There are also an estimated 250,000 children in the United States who have arthritis. One million new patients develop arthritis each year in the United States. Arthritis is the main cause of activity limitation in the United States, and as a result, sufferers are quick to purchase any remedy or device that will help eliminate discomfort or maintain independence. It is believed that an estimated 10 billion dollars is spent yearly on unproven arthritis remedies alone. Other ailments include carpal-tunnel syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, wrist and forearm fractures, birth defects, amputees, wearing casts, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, as well as the side effects of many medications that cause loss of the sensation of touch and/or grip strength. Additionally, individuals taking medications such as chemotherapy drugs that affect hand, wrist, and forearm movement, control, and coordination, especially for gripping small objects, have a need for a small object assist device, just as those individuals suffering arthritis or other disease as mentioned above.

[0004] Thus, persons with such ailments need devices to facilitate key-turning, zippering and buttoning and other small object manipulation. Often it is quite difficult for individuals with ailments affecting the hands to grip and operate smaller objects such as many modern keys having relatively small heads, zippers, and buttons, or who are taking medications that affect the user's hand and finger coordination and movement. In the case of the elderly, many have limited hand dexterity that results in difficulty in holding and/or grasping objects. Such limited hand dexterity also leads to reduced ability of such individuals to pick up, manipulate and exert force on small objects. The action of pinching a key head, a zipper, or a button and manipulating the same small object may be painful, awkward or even impossible to perform. As a result there exists a need for a device to help these persons with manipulating small objects such as keys, buttons and zippers.

[0005] For example, in the case of keys, a majority of door locks and ignition system locks involve inserting a key into a keyhole and turning the key. This includes locks for doors of homes, offices, vehicles and other applications. Keys are well known in the security industry and are normally flat-bodied/planar/laminal and elongated devices, with the length being longer than the width. The shank of the key is the longer component and contains cut-out components, a series of irregularities such as teeth, and grooves on the shank configured to contact and correspond to various mating elements, pins and tumblers of the core of a cylinder lock, with the result that rotating the inserted key rotates the lock core to its desired location. The head of the key or also base of the key is an extension of the shank and is an enlarged component of same, such that a person using the key can manually hold the key-head, insert the shank into the keyhole, and exert torque on the head, thus completing the operation of unlocking a door or actuating an ignition switch. Generally the planar form of the key head is not chosen primarily for ease of use but to enable inexpensive manufacture, coding and compact storage of several keys on a single key ring.

[0006] Arthritis and a variety of other physical ailments can reduce the ability of a key user to exert sufficient torque on a key in order to rotate a lock cylinder, the ability of a person to grasp and manipulate a zipper to open or close an opening, the ability of a person trying to manipulate a button to grasp the button properly and insert it through a button-hole.

[0007] Prior art commonly employs a number of small object-manipulation assist devices for the purpose of assisting persons who have difficulty handling small objects.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,447 to Nolen et al. describes a device that facilitates the buttoning and unbuttoning, as well as the zipping and unzipping, of clothing for individuals with limited manual dexterity. The device has an insertion component at one end for sliding into a buttonhole, a buttoner component at the other end in the form of a hook and an unbuttoner component therebetween.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,646 to Gabriel Sebastian describes a device formed from a one piece length of wire and includes a pair of wire members forming a short handle which then inclines downwardly and spreads apart and extends parallel to the handle and then converges and inclines upwardly at the closed ended tip component thereof. The closed ended tip is engaged through the button hole and over the button with the widest part spreading the button hole transversely thus enable the button to be pulled through easily whereupon the hole returns to its original elongated configuration and the device can be easily disengaged from the button. The stepped component spaces the handle clear of the shirt surface for ease of manipulation and eliminates distortion of the neck component of the shirt as it is used to engage the button through the button hole thereby eliminating strain on the button and preventing creasing from occurring.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,191 to Detrick et al. describes a zipper operating device for manipulating a slide fastener having a sliding operator member and a tab member connected to the sliding member. The zipper operating device includes a tang member which may be received within a hole in the tab member whereby the zipper operating device may engage the sliding member for manipulation thereof. The zipper operating device is shaped generally like a key and includes a head component and a shank component extending therefrom. A hole is provided in the head component distal from the shank component such that the device may be attached to a key ring or key chain.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,966 to Alan Wheat describes a tool for facilitating the movement of a zipper including a handle, an arm connected to and extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the handle, and a zipper flap receiving area formed in the arm at an end opposite the handle. The zipper flap receiving area serves to receive a zipper flap therein. The handle is integrally connected to the arm. The arm has a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface. The zipper flap receiving area extends into the first side surface and through the arm from the top surface to the bottom surface. The zipper flap receiving area is a slot formed in the arm having an opening in the first side surface. The arm also has a tapered surface formed at an end opposite the handle.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,447 to Nolen et al. describes a device that facilitates the buttoning and unbuttoning, as well as the zipping and unzipping, of clothing for individuals with limited manual dexterity. The device has an insertion component at one end for sliding into a buttonhole, a buttoner component at the other end in the form of a hook and an unbuttoner component therebetween.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,487 to Carr et al. describes a combination zipper aid and shoehorn device wherein a conventionally shaped shoehorn for use by the individual in slipping shoes or similar footwear onto one's foot is provided with an opening on the narrow end of the shoehorn into which is retractably fitted a device for assisting in closing or opening zippers on one's apparel. The zipper aid consists of a length of cord material provided with a hook on one end, with the cord being spring wound onto a spool contained within a housing with the housing being retractable into the end of the shoehorn for storage thereof or out of the shoehorn so that the hook on the end of the cord can be attached to a zipper tab and, using the shoehorn as a handle, enabling an individual to readily open or close the zipper on one's garment.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,958 to LaMachhia et al. describes a combination bracelet, button, and zipper fastening device includes an elongated handle having a first end and a second end with a first releasable clamping means coupled to the first end and a removable, reversible end cap on the second end. The first releasable clamping means are operable to releasably hold at least one interlocking member of a releasable clasp of a bracelet. The removable, reversible end cap has a button hook and a chain attached to one end and an interlocking member on the other end. A second releasable clamping means is attached to the end of the chain. The handle is sized and configured to be held in a hand of a person so that the first clamping means is positioned to rest on a wrist adjoining the hand holding the handle so that a person using the bracelet fastening device can hold and position with one hand at least one interlocking member of the releasable clasp on the adjoining wrist while using the other free hand to fasten the other interlocking member of the clasp therewith to securely retain the bracelet around the wrist. The handle includes a hollow which is accessible from the second end and which is dimensioned to store the second clamping means, the chain, and the button hook.

[0015] As described in the patents above, many assist-devices exist to help manipulate small objects. Moreover, there are small object devices with handles to facilitate buttoning and unbuttoning and zippering. The '447 device by Nolan et al. functions both to button and zip, however the bent component serves both purposes. An enclosed oblong loop would better serve the purpose of engaging various sizes of buttons. Also in the '447 device the wiry handle may be difficult to grasp. In the case of individuals who have problems gripping the handle there exists a need for a small object-manipulation assist device with a handle that will facilitate manipulation of buttons and zippers using not only one's entire hand but using one or more fingers. Combination devices exist for bracelet, button and zipper fastening, and zipper and shoehorn fastening, but all have shortcomings with respect to operation by persons having arthritic-based restricted or limited hand movement or similar conditions. The button/zipper assist device and method described here averts limitations in the prior art and provides an alternative device and method for persons with ailments affecting the hand to manipulate buttons and to use a zipper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention is directed to a device that assists persons with ailments affecting the hand to manipulate small objects.

[0017] One aspect of the present invention is directed to a combination button/zipper assist device to facilitate the insertion of a button through a button hole by persons who have difficulty handling a button; the combination button/zipper device also facilitates zippering. It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a unitary button/zipper assist device. It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a button/zipper assist device wherein the button-assist component is joined to the zipper assist component by a connector component. It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method for using the button/zipper assist device.

[0018] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1A is a front view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0020]FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A.

[0021]FIG. 2A is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0022]FIG. 2B is a front view of a more preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0023]FIG. 2C is a front view of another preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “right,” “left,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0025] Referring now to the drawings in general, the illustrations are for the purpose of describing a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto.

[0026] A front view of a preferred embodiment of the basic or regular button-assist device is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The preferred embodiment generally referred to as 4.0 composed of three pieces, a substantially bent or hooked zipper component 4.1 used to engage zipper tabs, a button component 4.3 used to engage buttons and the connector component 4.2 connecting the zipper component 4.1 to the button component. Substantially bent includes hooked or any angle or turn of the zipper component 4.1 to adequately engage a zipper tab. In a preferred embodiment, the button/zipper device is entirely unitary. Unitary means it is a single continuous piece of string-like metal or plastic. In another preferred embodiment the device is segmented. Segmented means the button, connector and zipper components are different pieces connected by means such as gluing, screwing or welding or any other connecting means. In another preferred embodiment the button and zipper components are made of either plastic or metal. Metal includes soft stainless steel wire but is not limited thereto. In a preferred embodiment the soft stainless steel wire may be shaped for different sizes of buttons or different zipper tab holes.

[0027] A preferred length for the button/zipper assist device is about three to about six inches. However the device may be constructed of various lengths and widths. The bent part of the zipper component may be fashioned as to engage various sizes of zipper tabs and holes of zipper tabs.

[0028] As seen in FIG. 2A, in another preferred embodiment, the connector component 5.2 may serve as a handle that is any shape such as a rectangular block or cylinder. It may be dowel-like. The connector may be plastic, metal, stone, wood or any other hard substance. The connector may be made of a malleable substance such as cork to form to a particular user's fingers. As seen in FIG. 2B the connector component 5.2 may have finger grooves 5.4 for ergonomic comfort. The finger grooves may have rubber comfort points. The connector component may be of various sizes. As seen in FIG. 2C the connector component 5.2 may be fashioned such that it is releasably engaged or interlocked.

[0029] Through the aperture may be placed any string-like element. Preferably wire, cable, string, chain, etc or any combination thereof is placed through the aperture to hold the small-object manipulation device. This device is strategic because it can be used for manipulating buttons and zippers and other such small-objects. In this preferred embodiment the button or zipper components can also serve to hang the device on a nail or some other such protrusion.

[0030] In a preferred method of using the button/zipper device as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B the zipper component 4.1 is used as a handle for the button component 4.3 and the device serves as a button-assist. The method provides for a user inserting a finger in the substantially bent component of the zipper component, inserting the button component through a button hole, engaging a button using the button component, pulling the button through a button hole and disengaging or releasing the button to complete the buttoning process. The bent handle allows one to grasp the button-device using not only the entire hand, but also one or more fingers.

[0031] In another preferred method of using the button/zipper assist device as seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B the button component 4.3 is used as a handle for the zipper component 4.1 and the device serves as a zipper assist. The method provides for a user inserting a finger through the open loop handle which is the button component 4.3, engaging a zipper tab by inserting the open-looped zipper component 4.1 through a hole in the tab of a zipper, applying a force such as to move the zipper head connected to the zipper tab such as to open or close a zipper, and releasing the zipper tab by removing the open-looped zipper component 4.1 from the zipper tab hole. The oblongly looped button component 4.3 serving as a handle permits one to grasp the zipper-device using not only the entire hand, but also one or more fingers.

[0032] In a more preferred method of using the button/zipper assist device as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B the connector component 5.2 is used as a handle for both the zipper component and the button component. One embodiment of the method according to the present invention provides for a user holding the connector 5.2 with at least two fingers, engaging a zipper tab by inserting the open-looped zipper component 5.1 through a hole in the tab of a zipper, applying a force such as to move the zipper head connected to the zipper tab such as to open or close a zipper, and releasing the zipper tab by removing the open-looped zipper component 5.1 from the zipper tab hole. Another aspect of the method provides for a user holding the connector 5.2 with at least two fingers, inserting the oblongly looped button component 5.3 through a button hole, engaging a button using the button component 5.3, pulling the button through a button hole and disengaging or releasing the button from the button component 5.3 to complete the buttoning process. Thus, a method of using the device according to the present invention includes the following steps:

[0033] (a) providing a button or zipper and a button/zipper assist device having a connector component having an oblongly looped button component affixed to a first end of the device and an open-looped zipper component affixed to a second end of the device;

[0034] (b) providing a corresponding button hole or a zipper tab hole on a zipper;

[0035] (c) using the connector component of the device as a handle;

[0036] (d) holding the connector component with at least two fingers;

[0037] (e) inserting the oblongly looped button component through the button hole or inserting the open-looped zipper component through the zipper head hole;

[0038] (f) engaging the button using the button component or engaging the zipper head with the open-looped zipper component;

[0039] (g) pulling the button through the button hole or moving the zipper using the zipper component; and

[0040] (h) disengaging the button from the button component or disengaging the zipper head from the zipper component to complete the buttoning process or zipping process, respectively. Also, according to the present invention, the steps are reversed to unbutton or to unzip the button or the zipper, respectively.

[0041] The button/zipper assist device of the present invention facilitates handling a button for an individual or a user having difficulty manipulating small objects, such as buttons and zippers, including individuals with ailments that make it difficult to manipulate buttons and operate zippers or small children, the elderly, or anyone having hand and/or finger coordination limitations or problems. The invention described above facilitates both processes by creating one device which an operator can use with one or more fingers to grasp a button and insert the button through a button-hole.

[0042] In another embodiment, the device also has an aperture for placing any string-like element through. Preferably wire, cable, string, chain, etc or any combination thereof is placed through the aperture to hold the key-turning assist device.

[0043] Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. By way of example, the device according the present invention may be modified for select, predetermined target users, such as small children or the elderly, who have difficulty manipulating small objects, like buttons and zippers. For children, the device would be modified with a larger connector portion or handle and protective end coverings or a latch on the zipper loop, which provides for increased safety of use. All modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A button/zipper assist device for manipulating buttons and operating zippers comprising: (a) an open-looped zipper component used for engaging zipper tabs and button tabs; and (b) an onblongly looped button component used for engaging buttons; (c) said zipper component and said button component joined together by a connector component, thereby providing assistance for buttoning and zipping functions performed by a user.
 2. The button/zipper assist device according to claim 1 where the device is unitary.
 3. The button/zipper assist device according to claim 1 wherein the device is segmented.
 4. The button/zipper assist device according to claim 1 wherein the material composing the button component of the device is selected from the group consisting of metals, plastics, woods, and combinations thereof.
 5. The button/zipper assist device according to claim 1 wherein the material composing the button component of the device is selected from the group consisting of metals, plastics, woods, and combinations thereof.
 6. The button/zipper assist device according to claim 1 wherein the material composing the connector component of the device is selected from the group consisting of metals, plastics, woods, cork, stone and a combination thereof.
 7. The button/zipper assist device according to claim 3 wherein the connector component of the device is semi-malleable and deforms under pressure from the user's fingers.
 8. The button/zipper assist device according to claim 3 wherein the connector component of the device is made of cork.
 9. The button/zipper assist device according to claim 3 wherein the connector component of the device has finger grooves.
 10. The button/zipper assist device according to claim 9 wherein the finger grooves have rubber comfort points.
 11. The button/zipper assist device according to claim 3 wherein the connector component contains an aperture.
 12. A method for using a button/zipper assist device comprising the following steps: (a) providing a button and a button/zipper assist device having a connector component having an oblongly looped button component affixed to a first end of the device and an open-looped zipper component affixed to a second end of the device; (b) providing providing a button and a corresponding button hole; (c) inserting a finger in he substantially bent component of the zipper component of a button zipper assist device; (d) inserting the button component through a button hole; (e) engaging a button using the button component; (f) pulling the button through a button hole; and (g) disengaging the button to complete the buttoning process.
 13. A method for using a button/zipper assist device comprising the following steps: (a) providing a button and a button/zipper assist device having a connector component having an oblongly looped button component affixed to a first end of the device and an open-looped zipper component affixed to a second end of the device; providing a zipper tab connected to a zipper head connected to a zipper; (b) inserting a finger through the oblongly looped button component which serves a handle (c) engaging the zipper tab by inserting the open-looped zipper component through a hole in the tab of a zipper (d) applying a force such as to move the zipper head connected to the zipper tab such as to open or close a zipper, and (e) releasing the zipper tab by removing the open-looped zipper component from the zipper tab hole.
 14. A method for using a button/zipper assist device comprising the following steps: (a) providing a button and a button/zipper assist device having a connector component having an oblongly looped button component affixed to a first end of the device and an open-looped zipper component affixed to a second end of the device; (b) providing a zipper tab connected to a zipper head connected to a zipper; (c) using the connector component as a handle; (d) holding the connector component of a button/zipper assist device with at least two fingers; (e) engaging a zipper tab by inserting the open-looped zipper component through a hole in the tab of the zipper; (f) applying a force such as to move the zipper head connected to the zipper tab such as to open or close the zipper. 